Arca and Giga Metals sign exclusive agreement to explore carbon removal at B.C. nickel project with potential to remove 220 million tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide
Giga Metals Bets on 'Green Nickel' Narrative with Arca Carbon Sequestration Deal While Grappling with Chronic Capital Shortfalls
The most recent news (January 14, 2026) announces a 10-year exclusive agreement with Arca Climate Technologies Inc. to evaluate and potentially implement carbon dioxide removal (CDR) at the Turnagain Nickel-Cobalt Project in British Columbia. Arca will test the project's ultramafic waste rock and tailings for their ability to permanently sequester atmospheric CO2. Arca estimates a lifetime potential to remove up to 220 million tonnes of CO2. Giga Metals aims to leverage this to produce "high ESG credential" nickel concentrate, potentially improving project economics through carbon credits and environmental differentiation.
- Positive ESG Differentiation: In a market where "green" nickel is increasingly demanded by EV manufacturers, the ability to claim significant carbon sequestration is a material strategic advantage.
- Economic Potential: If pilot-scale testing successfully leads to commercial-scale CDR, the project could generate carbon credits, potentially lowering the net-operating costs of a future mine.
- Early Stage Risk: This is an "agreement to evaluate" and perform "pilot-scale testing." The 220 million tonne figure is a lifetime estimate, not a current reality. There is no guarantee that the techno-economic studies will prove the process is cost-effective at scale.
- Alignment with Partner: The presence of Mitsubishi Corporation as a joint venture partner suggests that high ESG standards are a requirement for project development, making this agreement a logical step to maintain major partner interest.
Giga Metals is focused on the Turnagain Nickel-Cobalt Project in north-central British Columbia. It is one of the world's largest undeveloped sulphide nickel-cobalt resources. A Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) was completed in October 2023. The project is managed through Hard Creek Nickel Corp, a joint venture where Giga Metals holds 85% and Mitsubishi Corporation holds 15%.